Automatic shirt folding machine



c. A. CALDER ET AL 2,616,594

AUTOMATIC SHIRT FOLDING MACHINE Nov. 4, 1952 Zinnentors Caesarfl Calder a? -fimo Gttomeg Filed Sept. 4, 1948 C. A. CALDER ET AL AUTOMATIC SHIRT FOLDING MACHINE Nov. 4, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Snventors Filed Sept. 4, 1948 Caesar/"sq: Calder fintorz J Nov. 4, 1952 c. A. CALDER ET AL AUTOMATIC SHIRT FOLDING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 4, 1948 [III II llllll' lnvcntors Cagsarfl Caldera .772725027 J 190th hmitt Gttorneg Nov. 4, 1952 c. A. CALDER ET AL 5 9 AUTOMATIC SHIRT FOLDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Imventors (Ittorneg N v- 1952 c. A. CALDER ET AL AUTOMATIC SHIRT FOLDING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 4, 1948 I Envcntors Caesarfl. Calder 0% u I 242225017 JgaLhfq/vmiii $65 Uttorneg ii I I I Fig.20

Nov. 4, 1952 Filed Sept. 4, 1948 C. A. CALDER ET AL AUTOMATIC SHIRT FOLDING MACHINE 242 2415b 236 6 249 2/57 {20: 247 I 250 I B 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 3nnentor5 Caesarfl. Calder &

(Ittorneg Patented Nov. 4, 1952 AUTOMATIC SHIRT FOLDING MACHINE Caesar A.- Calder, Verona, and Anton J. Rothschmitt, Union, N. J.; said Rothschmitt assignor to said Calder Application September 4, 1948, Serial No. 47,788

30 Claims;

This invention relates to" automatic shirt folding machines.

An object of this invention is to provide an automatic machine of the character described; comprising a table on which a buttoned up shirt to be folded is placed, with the collar down, and the back of the shirt at the top, and with the shirt sleeves extending outwardly and hanging down from the sides of the table, and including means to clamp the shirt collar to'position the shirt on the table, and a swinging leaf panel" hinged to the table and swingable over the" top of the shirt to cover the central upper end of the shirt, and means to sequentially fold the sleeves inwardly over the top of the panel about parallel folds beyond the shoulders, fold the outer ends of the inwardly folded sleeves outwardly about parallel folds spaced close to the longitudinal middle of the shirt, fold one side of the. shirt and its folded sleeve over the panel and back of the shirt, fold the other side of the shirt and its folded sleeve over the first folded side of the shirt, fold the lower or tail end of the thus far folded shirt over an adjacent portion of the shirt about a transverse fold line, and fold the folded tail end of the shirt and the portion of the shirt over which it is folded, over the panel, so that the folded shirt may then be slippedoff the panel in folded condition.

Another object of' this invention is to provide in a shirt folding machine of the character described, a table having a fixed table top portion formed with an opening to receive the. col lar of the shirt, and relatively movable blocks within said opening to engage within the shirt collar, said blocks being movable relatively toward each other to facilitateplacing the shirt collar over said blocks, and being then movable relatively away from each other to engage the shirt collar and hold the same in place, a hinged panel swingable into position overlying the open-'- ing in the fixed table top portion'to overlie the central upper end of a shirt on the table, apair of parallel rods normally disposed adjacent the side edges of the table so that theshirt sleeves may overlie said rods with the outer endsofthe shirt sleeves hanging'dowir at the sides of the table, a second pair of parallel rods overlying the shirt sleeves inwardly of the'fi'rst pair of-parallel rods, means to move the first: parallel rods to positions parallel to each other and disposed above the panel and close-to one another for folding the sleeves about the second-mentioned pair of parallel rods with the outer ends of the sleeves folded around the first mentioned pair of parallel rods in their inwardly moved positions and extending outwardly to overlie the inwardly folded portions of the sleeves, means to grip the outwardly folded inner ends of the sleeves, and means to then move said first mentioned pair of parallel rods back from their inward positions to their outward normal positions adjacent the sides of the table.

Still another object of this invention is topr ovide in a shirt folding machine of the character described, a swing'able' side flap normally in the plane of said table, swingable about a line coextensive with the one side edge of the panel into overlying position with respect to said panel for folding one side of the shirt upon the central portion of 'the shirt and over the panel, and at the same time moving one of the second mentioned pair of parallel rods on the same side as said side flap to a position coextensive with an opposite side edge of said panel, and said side flap being then movable back to normal position in the plane of said table, and a second side flap normally in the plane of said table swingable about a line coextensive with said other side edge of said panel for swinging an opposite side of the shirt over the central portion of the shirt, and at the same time moving the other rod of said second mentioned pair of parallel rods to a position coextensive to the first side edge of the panel, and saidsecond flap being then moved swingably backto a normal position in the plane of said table.

Still further objects of this invention are to provide in a machine of the character described, an: end flap normally inrthe plane of said table, disposed. between said side flaps and underlying. the central lower or tail end of the shirt, and swingable about: a transverse line spaced out--' wardly from and parallel tothe outer end of the panel, for folding the lower end of the thus far foldedshirt onto the central part of the thus far folded shirt, and said end flap being then swingable'back to normalposition in the plane of'the table;

Yet another object of th-isi'nvention is to provide-ina machine of the character described, a middlefiap normally in the plane of the table anddisposed-between the side flaps and between the end flaps and'the'swinging panel, and being swingable' about atransverse linelocated substantially adjacent the'outer end of said panel, tofbld the folded central portion of the shirt over onto the top of the said panel and over the portion ofthe shirt folded thereabout, and said middle panel beingthen swingable back to normal position in the plane of th table;

Still a further object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, a transverse trough below the swinging panel to receive a number of shirt bands, so that when a shirt is fully folded on the panel, the outer ends of the topmost band in the trough may be folded over the shirt and adhered together so that said panel may then be swung upwardly away from the table top, and the folded shirt then slipped off in folded condition. A cardboard or stiffening board may be placed on the first panel at its underside, so that the shirt may be folded about the cardboard as it is folded about the panel, whereby when the folded shirt is pulled off the panel, the cardboard or stiffener will come ofi with the folded shirt and will serve as a stiffener therefor.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, a table, a panel or leaf hinged to the table about a horizontal axis, a hand lever on the table, means connected to the hand lever for tilting the leaf downwardly so that it will drop by gravity onto the top of the table, a pair of parallel sleeves hinged to the table about a horizontal axis, said sleeves being located at opposite sides of the panel, a second hand lever, means connected to the second hand lever for swinging said sleeves from upright position to horizontal position overlying the table, a pair of shirt sleeve folding frames having portions journalled in said sleeves, portions extending at right angles to the first frame portions, and portions parallel to one another extending from said right angle portions in directions opposite to the portions within the sleeves, and means for swinging said frames about the portions journalled within the sleeves as said sleeves are swung down from upright to horizontal position, so that said parallel portions will swing outwardly as said frames are swung downwardly toward the top of the table.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, means to prevent swinging of the shirt sleeve folding frames downwardly, unless the swingable panel has first been tilted to drop onto the table.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, a table including a table top, a panel hinged to the rear end of the table top and movable from upright position down to a position overlying the table top, a shirt sleeve gripper pivoted to the table about the pivotal axis to said panel, and movable from an upright position down to a position overlying the panel when the latter is dropped to the top of the table, a pair of symmetrical bell crank levers pivoted to the rear of the table below the table top and having upwardly and outwardly extending arms, parallel rods fixed to the outer ends of said arms and normally located adjacent the sides of the table top and substantially in its plane, and said bell crank having upwardly and inwardly extending arms, means engaging said upwardly and inwardly extending arms for swinging said bell crank levers about their pivot points to move said parallel rods inwardly toward each other to overlie the dropped panel at opposite sides and somewhat below the gripping member, and means controlled by the swinging of said levers for engaging the gripping member and pressing the same down against the top of the panel when the levers are swung in an opposite direction 4 to move the parallel rods outwardly or away from each other back to their initial positions.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, air motors controlled by solenoid operated valves, for moving said levers and the shirt folding flaps, and means to sequentially actuate the solenoids so as to operate the levers and the folding flaps in desired sequence.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, a table having a fixed table top portion formed with an opening to receive the collar of a shirt, a fixed block within said opening, and a movable block within said opening spaced from the fixed block, lever means for moving the movable block relative to the fixed block including a portion projecting to one side of the table so that the operator may press against said part to actuate said lever means and move the movable block towards the fixed block so that the shirt collar may be easily placed over the blocks, and spring means being provided to move the movable block away from the fixed block when the operator moves away from said projecting part and said lever, so that the shirt collar will be expanded. by said blocks.

A still further object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, a shirt folding flap normally in the plane of the table, curved links interconnecting the table with said fiaps, a lever pivoted to a fixed portion of the table, and a link connecting the lever with the flap at a point spaced from the pivotal point which connects the curved link to the panel, and means for swinging the lever so that said flap will swing over the table and come down fiat on top of said table, in spaced parallel relation. thereto, to facilitate folding of a portion of the shirt by means of said fiap.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a rugged and compact machine of the character described, which shall be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which shall be sure and posittive in operation, and will yet be practical and efficient to a high degree in use.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of invention will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings in which is shown various illustrative embodiments of this invention,

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a machine embodying the invention, showing the panel or leaf about which the shirt is to be folded in downward position and the shirt sleeve gripper down on said leaf, and the shirt folding frames in outwardly swung positions;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a rear end view of the machine;

Fig. 5 is a partial elevational view of the rear end of the machine;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 66 of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 2;

Figs. '7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are 5. perspective views showing successive steps in theshirt folding operations of the machiney- Fig. 18 is a wiring: diagram of the electrical system for controlling the operation of the machine;

Fig. 19 is a side view ofoneof the air cylinders;

Fig. 20 is an end View of one of the air cylinders; and

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view. of" the cam.

shaft illustrating the electronic motor control disc and the switches controlled thereby;

Referring now in detail to the drawings, 10. designates a machine embodying the invention. The same comprisesa table structure I I, having a table top portion l2, front legs 1.3,.and rear legs. I 4; The top 12 issupported by said legs and comprisesa top. front angle iron I and a. rear. angle.-

iron 16 and a pair of transverse anglelirons. l1 and it. It alsocomprises an angle. iron liliatithe near side of the table and an angle iron 26; atthefar side of the table.

The front legs l3 arev interconnected by angle. iron 2,! spaced below the angle. iron I5.v The rear legs M are interconnectedbyangle iron. 22 spaced below the angle iron I6. The legs 14 are also.

interconnected by an angle. iron 2.3. spaced below the angle iron 22.

Supported by the top. angle. irons I55... 16, ll, i8, i9 and 2 is a top boardv 24'. Thetop. board 24 has a, central cut-out. 25 and a pair of side cut-outs 26 and 21. at opposite sides. of. the central cut-out. The cut-outs 26, and 2''! are. formed with outwardly extending notches. 26a; and Z'Ear respectively.

The top board 24' is, also, formed with a transverse cut-out 29 between the; out outs.2.5., 26. 2! and the rear end of the table, It is also. formed with a substantially round cut-out 36between the cut-out 26 and the rearend of. the table.

Supported by the undersidesof the angle.v irons 2| and 22 is a horizontal platform 32. At therear of the table is a vertical fixed, panel 33... The. board 24 is formed adjacent its rear endwith a central opening 35,in which is mounted a vertical bushing 36. board it is a, transverse slat 31 disposeclbeneath the cut-out 29. Contactingthe underside of the slat 3-? and supporting the same. is; an angle iron 68. Supported on platform 32 is anangle iron 39 complementary to the angle iron 38 The angle. irons 38 and 39 may be supported at their outer ends in any suitable manner.

Mounted on the slat 38 is achannelshaped member or trough 46, open at the top and extending transversely of the table, but terminating;

short of the sides of the table. Thechannel or- Fixed to the underside; of the.

trough 46 is adapted to contain a stack of paper shirt bands so that the topmost band. may be. wrapped around a folded shirt, as: will appear hereinafter, and the ends of theband adhered together to keep the shirt infolded condition;

4! formed with a longitudinal slot;v 42-.

portion 45 fixed to the angleiron. 38;

Attached to the top of said: portion. isna fixed wooden shirt collar clampingblock46having a rear arcuate edge and a. straight. forward edge. The block mayb'e-attached'toa plate 41 to which is screwed a screw 465passing through the slot 42.

then be fixedrin place by tightening the screw-=48:

The position of the: block 46 and bracket'M may be adjusted; andtheblock'may plate 60. are a. pair of; headed pins 5:! passing;

through the slot: 412-; Oneof the-pins 5!; has. a downward extension. 5-2 and is. connected by a. coil tension spring 53 to. portion 45 of bracket 41. Spring 5B1 tendslto move block 4Saway from.

block 46. The block 49: has a-tcurved frontedge and'a rearstraight edge. The blocks: 46 and 46 are adapted to be received within the collar of a buttoned up shirt placed on the tablewith the front of the shirt d'own.

Means is providedto-move: the block ie-toward the fixed block' 46. the-underside of' tl-ieta'ble'in any suitable'manner, a vertical pivot pin 55 Pivoted-to-the pivot pin- 55' is a lever 56 having anarm 5i formedwith a-v bifurcated end 56 receiving the pin 52 there-- through; Arm 5'1" inclines rearwardlyand" towards the center of the table.

Extending fromarm 51 at the opposite side of the pivot pin 55' is an arm 66' projecting through an openingin the near side of thetable; Fixed to the arm 661s a body contact member 6|, normally inclined forwardly and away from the table, and having'curvedend's Fla-and 6).

When the body of the operator is pressed against member 6|; lever 56 will be rotated in counterclockwise direction lo'oking at Fig. 1 of the drawings, to movethe block 49' towards the:

block 46, soas to enable the collar of' the shirt to'be placed over-the blocks. When the body of the operator is thenmoved away from member 6 I, the spring-53 will move theblock 49 away from; block 46totight1ygrip the collar, of the shirt;

Fixed over the front endof theboard, 2.4 is a sheet metal plate. 62. Fixed. over the rear end' of the board 24 is aflxedplate 63 which extends from the frontedge of the trough or channel 40. to the rearedgeof the table. Thetop fixedsheet metal plate 63, however, is cut-away; as at 63a, to receive the trough 4'6, and is also formed with a substantially circular. cut-out corresponding to the opening 30 in the'top board 24, and into. which the collar blocks 46', 49 project. It will be noted that the collar blocks 46, 49 project upwardly into. the; opening 36 and that the top surfaces of the blocks are in. the plane of the top plate 63.

Fixed over thetop board 24 is also a fixed plate 65 extending forwardly of the trough 4i] and centrally disposed with respect thereto. plate 65' is' formed with a central. shallow 1ongitudinal channel 66; The plate 63 is furthermore formed with" a pair of aligned slots 63bparallel to the rearedge of the table and the board 24 is formed with slots registeringwith said aligned slots, for the purpose appearing hereinafter;

Mounted on the board 24 is a near side; flap 70", a farside-fl'ap I i, an endfiaplZ, and a middle flap 13. The flaps l6 and II are symmetrical to one another; The end flap T2 is' aligned with. the middle flap '13. The. middle and end flaps '12 and 13" are located between the side-flaps I6. and H. The inner 'ed'gesof the-sideflaps 10, TI" convergesli'ghtly forwardly. As will appear here'- inafter, theflaplllispivoted so as toihe swung about its inner edge through an angle of. to overlie the central portion of the table. The flap. 1| is'pivoted'for movement about its inner edge. through an angle of 180 likewise to overlie the central portion of the table. The end flap 12; as

Tothis end; there is fixed. to

The"

to overlie the flap 13. The middle flap 13, as will. appear hereinafter, is pivoted for movement through an angle of 180 about its rear end to overlie the fixed plate 65 and therebeyond.

The pivotal connection between the far side flap 'II and the table will now be described.

Attached to the underside of the flap II central and side brackets 15 having horizontal flanges I6 fixed to the underside of said flap. Each of the brackets 15 has a vertical flange 11 extending down from the horizontal flange I6. Extending through the flange TI of the brackets I is a bar I8 located close to flanges I6 and to the inner edges of flanges I1. The flanges 'Il may be triangular in shape having upwardly and outwardly extending lower edges. Extending through a plurality of said flanges I1 is a horizontal bar I9 located in the lower corners of the flanges 'II. Supported by the board 24 is a horizontal bar 80 parallel to bar '18 and disposed within the cut-out 26 and parallel to the inner edge of plate 'II. The ends of the bar 80 may be supported in any suitable brackets fixed to board 24 or to any fixed part of the table. Interconnecting bars I8 and 80 are a pair of spaced, substantially U-shaped or bent links 8 I. The bars I8 and 80 are in the same horizontal plane, when the flap II is in normal position, and the links 8! project downwardly therefrom.

On platform 32 is a bracket 82 supporting a fi angle is a pivot pin 85 and at the other corner of the triangle is a pivot pin 86. Interconnecting the pivot pin 85 with the bar 19 adjacent the central bracket I5 is a link 88 of dog-leg shape.

Means is provided to rotate the lever 84 about its pivot 83 for raising the link 38 and causing flap II to swing through 180 about its inner side, so as to overlie the flaps I2, 13 and the fixed plate 65 in spaced relation thereto, such action being permitted by the U-shaped links 8| which interconnect the fiaps 'II with the table. To this end there is mounted at the near side of the table, a pivot 89. Pivoted thereto is an air motor 90 controlled by solenoid operated valves, well known in the art, such as model BSMI manufactured by The Bellows Company of Akron, v

wise direction about the pivot pin 83 for pulling down the link 88 and moving the flap II back to horizontal position. When the piston 92 is moved to the left, looking at Fig. 3, the lever 84 will be turned in a counterclockwise direction raising the link 88 and swinging the fiap (I over through an angle of 180.

The valves which cause the piston to move to the left or to the right are controlled by retract and advance solenoids 94 and 95, grounded as at 96, and connected to terminal posts 81 and 98, respectively. The electrical connections for operating the solenoids in proper sequence will be described hereinafter.

It will be noted that when the lever 64 is swung in a counterclockwise direction, and the link 83 is lifted, the flap II is subjected to pivotal movement in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot bar I8 relative to the links SI, and the links 8| are also subjected to pivotal movement in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot bar 80. Such action permits the flap II to move up, then around, through an angle of 180 and then down flat over the table. Such movement of the flap I I has been found to be extremely advantageous for the shirt folding operation to be described hereinafter.

The links 8| are interconnected by a stop pin 8Ia adapted to contact wall I8 to limit relative movement between the links 8| and flap lI. When the link 8% begins to rise, the links 8| will first begin to rotate about the pivot and thereafter the flap 'I-I will begin to rotate about the pivot F8. The bent links extend around the edges or" flaps 72, I3 and table plate 65. The upper end of link 88 inclines upwardly and toward the center of the table to project above and inwardly of the adjacent edge of flap IS.

The near side of flap "Hi is symmetrical to the far side flap H and is similarly mounted for symmetrical pivotal movement through an angle of 180, likewise by means of brackets 2 5a fixed to the underside of the flap and carrying rod 78a connected by link 83a, to a lever 84 pivoted on a bracket 82, mounted on platform 32 and connected to the opposite side of the table by a solenoid operated valve air motor 9|a. In other words, the pivotal arrangement for the flap i0 is similar to and symmetrically disposed with respect to the pivotal connections for the flap 'II.

The air motor 815; is the same as air motor SI and likewise comprises solenoids 8% and 95 grounded together as at $8 and connected to terminal posts 9? and 08. As will be seen hereinafter by reason of sequential energization and deenergization of the solenoids of air motors 9| and am, the near flap it will first be caused to rotate from normal position through an angle of and then back to normal position automatically, and thereafter the far side flap ll will be caused to rotate through an angle of 180 from normal position and then back to normal position.

The pivotal means for the end flap l2 will now be described.

Fixed to the underside of the rear end of end flap I2 is a pair of angular brackets I80 having horizontal flanges IIlI fixed to the underside of the flap E2 and triangular shaped vertical flanges I02 at right angles to said flanges IEII. Carried by the flanges I02 adjacent their upper rear corners is a horizontal transverse bar I03. Interconnecting the lower corners of the flanges I02 is a horizontal transverse bar I04. Fixed to the top board 24 of the table is a horizontal bar I05 parallel to bar I83. The bars I03 and I 05 are interconnected by a pair of links I08 similar to the U-shaped links 8 I.

The links I06 carry a stop bar I0? adapted to contact the brackets I00 to limit relative movement between the links and the end flap '52. Mounted on the platform 32 is a bracket I 08 carrying a pivot pin I89. Pivoted to the pivot pin I08 is a triangularlever H0. The lever IIO carries th pivot pin III at one corner interconnected by a dog-leg shaped link M2 to the pivot bar I04. Carried by the lever H0 is a pivot pin II5. Fixed to the underside of the platform 32, in any suitable manner, is an air motor 9 lb similar to the air motors 9| and 9| a.

It carries a piston rod I I3 connected by link H4 to the pivot pin H5. As the piston rod 3 is moved to the right, lever IIO will be rotated about pivot MI in a counterclockwise direction raising the link H2 and causing flap 12 to rotate through an angle of 180 over the top of the middle flap I3. I-lere, likewise, links I06 will rotate about pivot I05 in a counterclockwise direction and the end flap I2 will rotate in counterclockwise direction about the pivot I03 so that the flap may move up over and then down above th top of flap I3 and spaced in parallel relation thereto. When the piston rod I I3 is moved to the left, the lever is rotated in a clockwise direction and the flap l2 is moved back to normal position. The air motor 9Ib is likewise controlled by retract and advance solenoids 94, 95 grounded together as at 96, and connected to terminal posts 91, 98, respectively. The electrical wiring diagram and electrical control for the solenoids will be described hereinafter.

Attached to the underside of the middle fia'p I3 are brackets Ia similar to brackets I00 and carrying pivot rods I03a and I34a similar to the rods I03 and I34. The rods I'03a are connected by links Iilfia similar to links I06, to the pivot rod I05a carried by the top board 24. The links Nita also carry a stop rod I0'I a, similar to the stop rod On platform 32 is a bracket I080. to which is pivoted a triangular shaped lever I Illa as at pivot pin I09a. Lever IIOa carries a pivot IIIa connected by dog-leg shaped link II2a to the pivot pin [0401. Fixed to the underside of the platform 32 is an air motor 9Ic similar to the air motors BI, cm, SH), and including a piston rod II3a connected by link I I40. to a pivot pin I Ida. on the triangular lever IIOa. Here, likewise, when the piston rod II3a is moved to the right, flap I3 will be rotated about its forward end through an angle of 180, first moved up, then around, and then down in spaced relation to the top of the table. When the piston rod I I317, is moved to the left, the flap I3 is swung back to normal position in the plane of the table.

Attached to the rear plate 33 is a pair of hearing members I23 projecting above said plate and having aligned bearing openings in which is rotatably mounted a horizontal shaft I2'I disposed substantially at the level of board 24 and parallel to its rear edge. The shaft I2! extends to the near side of the machine and is formed with a downwardly curved portion I22 from which extends upwardly a handle I23 provided with a hand knob I24.

It will now be understood that when the knob I24 is grasped and the handle I23 is turned, the shaft I 2| would be rotated about its axis. Mounted for free rotation about the central portion of the shaft I2I is a leaf or panel I25 about which the shirt on the table is to be folded. Said leaf or panel I25 has a pair of parallel rearwardly extending tongues or projections I26 to the undersides of which are attached plates I2! formed with aligned apertured ears I28 throu h which the shaft I2I extends. The portions I25 of the leaf extend rearwardly beyond the shaft I2I and hence beyond the table. The leaf I25 may swing from vertical position, in which position the tongues I25 and their supporting plates I21 will contact the rear plate 33, down to horizontal position, as shown in the drawings, overlying the central portion of plate 63 crossing the trough 40 and overlying plate 55. Thus, the forward portion of the leaf I25 is disposed between the side flaps I0 and II and the front edge I25a of the leaf .is adjacent the rear end of the middle flap I3. The central portion of said rear edge may be notched out as at I25a.

It Will be noted th t there is a space or c t- 1'0 ut between the tongue portions I26 of the leaf I25, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

Means is provided for tilting the leaf I25 to start rotation thereof from vertical down to horizontal position, so that it moves sufficiently from vertical position to drop by gravity fully to horizontal position. To this end there is mounted in suitable bearings I30 and I3I on the table, a horizontal shaft I32 disposed below the table top and forwardly of plate 33. The shaft I32 extends beyond the near side of the table, and fixed thereto is a sleeve I33 from which extends a handle I34. The shaft I32 is rotated upon swinging the handle I34. Plate 33 and the angle iron I6 are formed with registering openings I35 below one of the tongues I26 of the leaf I25. Fixed to the shaft I32 is an angle shaped arm I36 having a rearwardly projecting horizontal finger I31 projecting through the registered openings I35. When the shaft I32 is swung in a counterclockwise direction, looking at Fig. 6 of the drawings, the finger I3'I will engage one of the tongues of the leaf, should the leaf be in vertical position, thereby rotating the leaf in a clockwise direction until the leaf drops by gravity into horizontal position overlying the top of the table.

Means is provided to prevent rotation of the shaft I2I by means of the handle I23 in clockwise direction, looking at Fig. 5, until the handle I34 is swung in a counterclockwise direction, looking at Fig. 5, to cause the leaf to drop to the table. To this end, there is fixed to the sleeve I 33 a radial finger I38 engaging the curved portion or bend I 22 in the shaft I2I. It will be noted that the handle I23 cannot be turned in a clockwise direction because the finger I 38 will stop it. However, should handle I34 be swung in counterclockwise direction, finger I38 moves away from the bend I22, and the shaft I23 can then be rotated in a clockwise direction, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

Fixed to the shaft I2I and located at opposite sides of the leaf I25 are parallel aligned sleeves I40 disposed at right angles to said shaft. Sleeves I40 have aligned openings through which the shaft I 2I passes. Shaft I2I may be fixed to the sleeves I40 by means of set screws or in any other suitable manner. When the shaft I2I is rotated, the sleeves I 40 will rotate therewith. The sleeves I40 have through openings I II extending at right angles to the longitudinal through openings I42 through which the shaft I2I passes. The sleeves I 40 may likewise move from upright to horizontal position independently of the leaf I25.

Rotatably mounted in the sleeves I 40 are a pair of similar symmetrical shirt sleeve folding frames I43. Each of the frames I43 comprises a portion I44 journalled in the sleeve I40. The frames I43 will be described in their horizontal positions overlying the table. When the frames are in such position, there extends from the rear end of each portion I44 an inwardly and somewhat downwardly inclined finger I45.

On portion I44 are collars I46 to prevent sliding movement of said portion within the sleeve I 40. Extending at right angles to the forward end of each of said portions I44, is a portion I41 overlying the table and formed with a downwardly bent intermediate portion I48, projecting into notch 63b in the table top 63 and into the opening in the board 24 therebelow. The purpose of the intermediate bent portion I48 will be apparent hereinafter.

It will be noted that said portions I4! extend towards the sides of the table. Extending from said portions I4'I are bar or rod portions I50 which are parallel to each other and parallel to the sleeves I40. The portions I50 project forwardly and their outer ends overlap the side flaps I and II. The frame portions I50 are disposed inwardly of the side edges of the table, as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing.

It will be noted that when the side fiap it is rotated from normal position to a position overlying the central portion of the table, the outer end of portion I50 of the frame I43 adjacent thereto, will be engaged by said flap and said frame will be rotated about its sleeve I40 through an angle of 180 bringing the frame portion I50 to a position parallel to and adjacent the longitudinal edge I250 of th leaf I25, closer to the far side of the table. When the flap I0 rotates back to normal position, the frame which was rotated thereby will remain in the position to which it was moved.

Likewise, when the flap II at the far side of the table is rotated through an angle of 180, the forward end of portion I50 of the frame I43 adjacent thereto, will be engaged thereby, and said frame will be rotated through an angle of 180 bringing said portion I50 adjacent to and parallel with the edge Id of the leaf I25, which is closer to the near side of the table. When the flap TI is moved back to normal position, frame I43 moved thereby will remain in its moved position. With the frames I43 both turned inwardly from the posi tion shown in Fig. 1, said frames together with the leaf and a shirt folded thereabout, as will be hereinafter described, may be moved upwardly to vertical position, as shown in Fig. 17, and in such position, the shirt may be pulled oif the leaf. Should the leaf I25 thereafter be dropped, and the handle I23 then rotated in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Fig. 5, the sleeves I will be rotated in clockwise direction, swinging the frames I43 from upright to horizontal position.

Means is provided automatically swinging said frames I43 from their inwardly turned positions to their outwardly turned positions, as shown in Fig. 1, as said frames move from vertical to horizontal positions. To this end, plate 33 is formed with a pair of through slots I5I, symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the middle of said plate. The slots I5I are located inwardly of the sleeves I40 and therebelow. Pivoted to said shaft I32 are a pair of levers I52 having forwardly extendin arms I52a connected by coil tension springs I53 to anchors I53a fixed to the angle iron 22. The springs I53 tend to rotate the levers I52 in a clockwise direction. The movement of the levers is limited by the upper edges of the slots I5I. On the rearwardly extending arms I52b of the levers I 52 are downwardly, outwardly and rearwardly, and then rearwardly and upwardly curved cams I54 terminating in upwardly projecting straight fingers I55.

It will be noted that the curved portion I54 at the far side of the table is bent upwardly more sharply than the curved portion I54 at the near side of the table. The purpose for such construction will appear hereinafter. In other words, the straight finger portion I55 at the near side of the table is shorter than the straight finger portion I55 at the far side of the table. It will be noted that the bends in the fingers I55 are located below and in the planes of the portions I44 of the frame members I43. When the frames I43 are swung inwardly, and the portion I44 of said frames are in upright or vertical position,

sleeves I03. Fixed within the sleeves 12 the tails or fingers I45 will project outwardly towards the sides of the table and somewhat rearwardly.

Should the shaft I2I then he turned to swing the frames I 43 to horizontal position, the tails I45 will be engaged by inner edges of the curved portions I54 and as the frames I43 move down to the table, contact of the tails I45 with curved portions I54 and the fingers I55 will swing the frames I43 outwardly towards the sides of the table.

The finger I55, closer to the far side of the table is longer than the other finger so that the frame I43 closer to the far side or he table will be first swung outwardly and then the I63, closer to the near side of the table, will be thereafter swung outwardly.

As will appear hereinafter, the flap is srcun back and forth before the flap Ti, and therefor a portion of the frame I43 at the near side of the table will lie beneath a portion of the frame 543 at the far side of the table, so that the frame I33 at the far side of the table being on top, must be swung outwardly somewhat in advance of the outwardly swinging movement of the other frame I43, and that is accomplished by the fact that the shape of the cam I 54, closer to the far side of the table is such that the frame Hi3 closer to the far side of the table will start turning before the other frame.

As the arms swing outwardly, the arms i521? will be depressed against the tension of the springs I 53 and after the tails I45 have moved away from said fingers I55, the springs I53 will again raise said arms.

Fixed to the rear plate 33 adjacent the lower edge thereof, are a pair of parallel, horizontal, longitudinal, rearwardly extending pivot pins 533. Pivoted on said pivot pins I are a pair of similar, symmetrically disposed bell crank levers iti. Each bell crank lever IGI has an upwardly and outwardly inclined arm I62, and an upwardly and inwardly inclined arm I63.

Fixed to the outer ends of the arms I52 a e E33 are ti 0 rear ends I64 of bars I35. Between the rear ends I54 and the main portion of the arms I55 are inwardly bent portions IE6. Fixed to the sides of the table and extending therebeyond, are transversely curved channels or troughs I53 into which the arms I65 project. It will be noted that the arms I65 are parallel to each other and are normally disposed closely adjacent the sides of the table. The upper ends of the arms 63 are formed with longitudinal slots I69. Fixed to the angle iron 23 of the table support is a bracket Iii). Supported by the bracket I is the cylinder of a vertical air motor Bld, similar to the air motors 9|, 91a, 0Ib, 3Ic.

Slidable in said air motor is a piston having a piston rod III projecting upwardly. Fixed to the upper end of the piston rod I'H is a block I73 formed with a central opening to receive the upper end of the piston rod. The block 5'33 may be fixed to the piston rod in any suitable manner. It is formed with outwardly extending slots I'I4 into which the upper ends of the lever arms I33 project. Fixed to said block and traversing the slots I'I4 are transverse pins I75 passing through the slots I69.

It will now be understood that when the piston rod I'II moves downwardly, the levers ltl are rotated in opposite direction to swing the rods I65 from the position shown in Figs. 1 and 8 to a position shown in Fig. 10, overlying the leaf 13 When the rods I65 overlie the leaf-I25, they will be spaced closely to one another in parallel relation, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

When the piston rod IlI thereafter moves upwardly the levers I6I are swung outwardly to bring the rods I65 back to normal position. As will appear hereinafter, when the levers IBI are moved from the position shown in Fig. 9 to the position shown in Fig. 10, they will fold the sleeves of a shirt about rod portions I59 of the frames I43 inwardly with the outer ends of the sleeves folded about said rods I65 and extending outwardly.

Means is provided to clinch such inwardly folded sleeves to retain the same in the position of Fig. 10 when the levers are thereafter swung outwardly and bars I65 move away from each other. To this end, there is pivoted to the central portion of the shaft I2I, an ear I39 located between the rear tongues I26 of the leaf I and apertured to receive said shaft. Supported by the ear I89 is a lock bar I8I movable from upright to a horizontal position overlying the central portion of the leaf I25. The lock bar I8I is formed at its outer end with a pair of spaced parallel arms 252. It is also formed with an intermediate through slot I84, and is provided with a transverse fixed pin I95 crossing the slot. Slidably mounted in the bushing 36 which is fixed to the table top, is a rod I86 formed with a hook Id! at its upper end adapted to move through the opening or slot I84 and engage the pin I85.

The platform 32 is formed with a through opening I90 disposed below the rod I85. Fixed to the lower end of the rod I85 is a long pin I9I projecting downwardly through the opening I90. Fixed on the pin I9I is a collar I92 disposed above the platform 32 and surrounding said pin is a loose washer I93 disposed below said platform. Also fixed to the pin I9I above its lower end is a collar I94. Interposed between the collar I94 and the washer I93 and surrounding the pin I9I, is a coil compression spring I95. Pivoted to a fixed pin I96 at the rear end of the frame, is a lever I91 having a forwardly extending arm I98 engaging the underside of the collar I94. Arm I98 may have an opening through which the lower end of pin I9I projects. The lever I91 has a rearwardly extending arm I99.

Fixed to the block I13 is a plate 29!) projecting towards the wall 33. On said plate 209 is an adjustable screw 20I located directly above the arm I99 of the lever I91. When the piston rod I'II descends to swing the bars IE5 inwardly, the hook I81 is disengaged with respect to the lock member I8I. In fact, the transverse pin 595 will contact the top of the book when member I8I is swung downwardly. When the bars I55 are swung inwardly toward each other, they will move beneath the arms I82 of member I8I. This action occurs when the piston rod descends.

At the lower end of the stroke, however, screw 29I will contact the arm I99 of the lever I91 and rotate said lever in a counterclockwise direction raising the rod I85 to permit the pin I95 to drop below the hook I81. As the member I'II begins to move up for moving the bars I65 away from each other, screw 29I will release the lever I97, and the spring I95 will then cause the hook I81 to press down against the pin I85 for resiliently pressing member I8I downwardly, so that the arms I82 will clinch the sleeves which were folded beneath said arms by the rods I65.

. sulating strips 2H and 2I2.

Thus, although the rods move away from each other, from the position shown in Fig. 10 to the position shown in Fig. 11, the sleeves will remain in inwardly clinched condition.

Means is provided for controlling the ener- .gization of the advance and retract solenoids 94 and 95 of the air motors 9|, 9Ia, 9Ib, 9Ic, 9Id, sequentially and automatically, the arrangement being such that the air motor 9Id is first actuated to retract and then advance the piston rod and its piston; the air motor em controlling the .flap ID at the near side of the table is then actuated to first retract and then advance its piston; the air motor 9| controlling the flap II at the far side of the table is thereafter actuated to first retract and then advance its piston; the air motor 9Ib controlling flap II is then actuated to first advance and then retract its piston; and the air motor 9Ic controlling fiap 13 is thereafter actuated to first advance and then retract its piston.

To this end, there is fixed to the underside of the platform 32, an angle iron 2H3. Supported by the front legs I3 is a pair of parallel in- Attached to the angle iron 2 I0 and extending downwardly therefrom .is a plate 2I4 disposed in a vertical plane. The strips 2H and 2I2 are fixed to the plate 2I4 by a pair of longitudinal members 2I5 and ZIB.

Supported at the ends of the plate '2I4 are a pair of parallel plates 2I1 disposed in vertical planes.

J ournalled in the plates 2 I! is a horizontal cam shaft 258, carrying ten similar insulating circular discs 2I9 each formed with a notch 229. The discs 2I9 are fixed to rotate with the shaft '2I8. The notches 220 of the discs 2I9 are successively spaced angularly, one with respect to the other. The spacing may be of equal angles so that each notch is spaced 36 from the notch of the successive disc.

Also on shaft 2I8 is fixed a disc 2'2I of smaller diameter than the disc 2I9 and provided with a projecting lug 222. In normal position, when the machine is not operating, the first disc 2I9 is positioned with its notch 229 in horizontal position, and the disc 22I also has its lug in horizontal position in alignment with the notch 220 of the first disc 2I9.

Attached to the upper strip 2 I I is a downwardly projecting spring switch element 224 aligned with the disc 22I. Attached to the lower strip 2I2 and projecting upwardly therefrom is spring switch element 225 adapted to contact the switch element 224. On switch element 225 is a roller 226. When the disc 22I is in initial position, shown in Fig. 19, the lug 222 on disc 22I presses back against the roller 229 and moves switch 225 out of contact with respect to switch 224, so that the switch .224, 225 is normally open.

Attached to the strip 2H are ten downwardly extending switch elements 221 aligned with the ten discs 2 I9, respectively. Attached to the bottom strip 2I2 are ten upwardly extending switch elements 228 adapted to coact with the respective switch elements 227. On each switch element 228 is a roller 229 adapted to contact one of the discs 2I9. When the roller 229 is in the notch 220 of any one disc, the switch which carries said roller will contact its respective switch 22?, and when the disc 2 I9 rotates the roller 229 will be pressed back and the switch will open.

In the wiring diagram, for the purpose of clarity, the ten successive switches controlled by the discs 2I9 will be designated by the numerals Ia, Ib, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 51), respectively.

The first switch la is normally closed. Switches Ib, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b are normally open.

The shaft 2I8 is connected in any suitable manner for rotation by an electric motor 238 mounted in any suitable manner on the plate 2 I4. Said shaft 2I8 may be geared to the armature of the motor 239 in the usual manner. The motor 230 may be a 110 volt motor with a pair of field windings 23! and 232. Ihe windings 23!, 232 are connected together in parallel. One side of said windings is connected by wire 233 to one lead 23311 of a suitable power supply, for example, 110 volts 6O cycle. Th other side of said field windings 23!, 232 is connected by wire 234 to said switch element 225, and also by wire 235 to one arm 236 of a double pole, single throw, normally open, table switch 231. The other arm 238 of said switch is connected by wire 239 to a fixed contact 24!] forming part of a single pole, single throw, safety manual switch 24!. Said switch 24! comprises a switch arm 242 adapted to engage the contact 245. Said switch arm 242 is connected by wire 243 to the coil 244 of a step down transformer 245 adapted to reduce the voltage. It may transform 110 volts down to 8 volts. The coil 244 is grounded as at 246. The other coil 24? of the transformer 245 is connected by Wire 2423 to the lead 233a, and by wire 245 to wire 253 connected through a single pole, single throw switch 259a to the other lead of the power supply.

The second arm 238 of the switch 23'! is connected by wire 252 to the switch elements 22'! of switche lb, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, which are in parallel. The arms 236 and 235 of the table switch 23'! are adapted when closed to engage a pair of spaced contacts 253 and 254. The contact 253 is connected by Wire 255 to the switch element 22! of switch la. The fixed contact 254 is connected by wire 256 to wire 259 and to switch element 224 Switch elements 228 of switches Ia, 2a and 3a are connected by wires 25'! to the binding posts 5'! of the retract solenoids 94 of the air notches 9Id, 9Ia and 9!. Switch elements 228 of the switches Ib, 2b and 3b are connected by wires 258 to the binding posts 93 of the advance solenoids 95 of the air motors 9Id, 9Ia and 9!. The switch elements 228 of the switches 4a and 5a are connected by wires 259 to the binding posts 98 of the advance solenoids 95 of the air motors 5!?) and EHO. The switch elements 223 of the switches 2b and 5b are connected by wires 250 to the binding posts 9! of the retract solenoids 94 of the air motors 9!?) and Ella.

The switch 237 is located below the downwardly bent portion I48 of the frame member I43 at the near side of the table, so that when said frame member is swung down to the table, said bend will close the switch and start the cycle of operation of the air motors, as will be described hereinafter. The bend I48 of the frame members I43 are so located as to straddle the lock member IBI. Furthermore, the bar I at the near side of the table passes above and through the bend I22 of the shaft I2! so as not to interfere with said shaft.

Attached to the underside of the forward part of plate I2! is a pair of leaf springs 2'!!! projecting forwardly therefrom. A cardboard or stiffener about which a shirt is to be wrapped, may be inserted between springs 270 and the underside of the leaf or panel I25, one edge of the cardboard contacting the forward edges I2'Ia of 16 the plates I2!. The cardboard is designated by the numeral 2! I.

It will be noted that the tail flap l2 and the middle flap I3 are formed with central longitudinal shallow grooves 12a and 73a in alignment with each other. Furthermore, the plate 65 is formed with a central shallow groove 65a aligned with the grooves 12a, 13a. Said grooves 65a, 13a and '!2a are for the purpose of receiving the buttons of the shirt placed on the table for folding.

The operation of the machine will now be described. The machine at the start of the operation is in the position shown in Fig. 8, with the leaf I25 up, with the frames I43 swung inwardly over the rear of the leaf, and with the lock bar I8! likewise upright against the upper side of the leaf. Also in the initial position of the machine, bars I65 are swung outwardly.

The switches 250a and 24! are first closed. At this time, as stated before, only switch Ia is closed but switch 224, 225 and the switches Ib, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b are open.

The closing of the switches 255a and 24! will not energize the motor because switch 224, 225 is normally open. Also the solenoids of the air motors are not energized because switches Ib, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b connected to said witch 24! are normally open and switch Ia is connected to the fixed contact 253 which has not yet been bridged by the arm 235 of the switch 231.

The shirt S is placed on the table with the front of the shirt down. The shirt is preferably buttoned and the middle of the shirt is aligned with the grooves 65a, 13a and 12a. The collar of the shirt is inserted now into the opening 54 of the table top and the blocks 46, 49 are received within the collar. Before inserting the collar, the operator presses against member 8! to bring the blocks 49, 46 together. After the collar has been properly positioned, the operator moves away from member 6! and the block 49 is moved away from block 46 to grip the collar. The shirt sleeves SS extend outwardly over the bars I65 and around the trough or channels 68 and hang down at the sides of the table. The operator then turns the handle I34 in a counterclockwise direction, looking at Fig. 5, tilting the leaf I25 and causing it to drop onto the table and over the upper central portion of the back of the shirt. At the same time, the lock bar I8! swings down loosely over the top of the leaf but is held in somewhat raised position by reason of contact with the top of the hook IS! with the underside of the pin I85. The operator then swings the handle I23 in a clockwise direction, looking at Fig. 5, causing the sleeves I48 to swing down to horizontal position. At the same time the frames I43 swing outwardly and downwardly due to engagement of the tails I45 with the curved loop cams I54, I55.

When the frames I43 are swung downwardly and outwardly, they will be in the position shown in Fig. 9 with the bars I55 overlying the sleeves SS inwardly of the bars I55. When said frames come down the bend I48 of the frame Hi3 will close the switch 23'! thereby interconnecting wire 235 with fixed contact 254 and interconnecting wires 252 and 239 with the fixed contact 253.

The field coils 23!, 232 for the motor 255 will now be energized through lead 253a, wire 233, coils 23!, 232, wire 234, wire 235, wire 256, wire 250, switch 250a, and lead 25!. At the same time 8 volt current will pass through switch Ia, which is normally closed, to the retract solenoid 94 of aer tor one revolution for each operation. The closing of switch 231 as stated before, permits energization of the retract Solenoid 94 of the air motor 91d at the rear end of the table causing the piston rod 111 to move downwardly and rotate the bell crank levers ltl inwardly, bringing the rods 155 inwardly, and beneath the arms 1 82 of the locking lever iti. The sleeves SS thereby become folded over and inwardly, as at 230, about the rods I58, and also are folded over the rods iii-i,

as at 281, and the outer ends 282 of the sleeves then extend outwardly. v

At the lower end of the stroke of the piston rod Ill, hook I is raised to overlie the pin 155 and as the cam shaft continues to rotate, switch lb will close and switch Ia, opens to deenergize the retract solenoid of the air motor 9 id, and also to energize the advance solenoid 95 of air motor ii id to advance or raise the piston rod ill thereby causing the hook I81 to engage pin E85 and press down on the locking member iii! and at the same time the levers it! are swung outwardly to swing the rods Hi5 away from each other. The inner folds 28I of the shirt sleeves are however gripped or clinched by the arm 132 of the locking member I81. Fig. 11 of the drawing.

As the cam shaft continues to rotate, switch 2a. is closed and switch lb opens, again causing the advance solenoid of air motor 91b to deenergize and also causing the retract solenoid at of the air motor 91a to become energized for retracting its piston and causing the flap it to turn 180 to the position shown in Fig. 12. When this is done, the side of the shirt at the near side of the table, together with the folded sleeve at said side, is folded over the central portion of the back of the shirt. At the same time frame M3 at the near side of the table is swung 180 about its sleeve Hill to the position shown in Fig. 12 thereby opening the switch 231'. By this time switch 223, 225 is closed and switch la has been opened, so that the operation of the machine is not affected. As the cam shaft continues to rotate, switch 212 is closed and switch 2a opens thereby deenergizing the retract solenoid of the air motor em and energizing the advance solenoid of said air motor, thereby causing the flap it to move back to normal position on the table top, but leaving the frame M3 which was swung over by said flap in its swung over position.

7 As the cam shaft continues to rotate, switch 3a closes and switch 2b opens, thereby deenergizing the advance solenoid of air motor 91a and energizing the retract solenoid of the air motor 9 l, thereby causing the side flap '1! at the far side of the table to swing over 180 and fold the side of the shirt at the far side of the table over onto the part of the shirt which was folded over the central portion of the shirt by the flap iii. At the same time, the frame M3 at the far side of the table is swung over the first frame.

As the cam shaft continues to rotate, switch 3a opens again and switch 3b closes, thereby deenergizing the retract solenoid of the air motor 91 and energizing the advance solenoid of said air motor, and thereby causing the flap H to swing This movement is illustrated in 1 back to its normal position leaving the portion of the shirt which is folded, in folded condition. The swinging of the flap H away from normal position is illustrated in Fig. 13 of the drawing. The position of the shirt when the flap '"II at the far side of the table swings back to normal position, is illustrated in Fig. 14 of the drawing.

As the cam shaft continues to rotate, switch 3b opens thereby deenergizing the advance solenoid of the air motor 91 and energizing the advance solenoid of the air motor 9i?) causing the end nap iii to swing over 180 and fold the tail end of the shirt over onto the middle part of the shirt, as illustrated in Fig. 15 of the drawing.

As the cam shaft advances, switch la opens and switch closes thereby deenergizing the advance solenoid of air motor 911) and closing the retract solenoid of said air motor, thereby causing said end flap it? to swing back to normal position, leaving the tail end of the shirt in folded condition.

As the cam continues to rotate further, switch db opens and switch 5a closes, thereby deenergizing the retract solenoid of air motor fill) and energizing the advance solenoid of the air motor tile and causing the middle flap it to swing over 180 to a position shown in Fig. 16 and folding the folded tail of the shirt onto the upper part of the shirt and leaf 125. As the cam shaft further advances, the switch ta is open and the switch 5b is closed, thereby deenergizing the advance solenoid of the air motor tic and energizing the retract motor of said air motor, causing the middle flap it to swing back to normal position, leaving the shirt completely folded around the leaf I25 and around the bars and also around the cardboard which was mounted on the leaf.

As the cam shaft continues to rotate back to its original position completing 360 rotation, switch 22 i, 225 opens, and switch to closes. The opening of switch 224, 225 deenergizes the motor and the cam shaft will stop rotating because the switch 231' had been opened when the frame I43 at the near side of the table was swung over by the flap ill.

lhe operator then folds one of the paper bands within the channel are around the folded shirt and gluesthe ends of the band together in a well known manner. The operator then swings the handle H3 in a counterclockwise direction lifting the sleeves and the frames M3, but since the shirt is wound both on the leaf and the bars i523 of the frame M3, the leaf will also be lifted, and the folded shirt together with the cardboard may then be easily slipped off the leaf.

The handle Hi l is swung in a clockwise direction to move the finger it? out of the way so that the leaf may be raised. The machine is now back to normal position and the operation of the macl'iine will start all over again.

As the locking member 13! comes up, it will pull up on the rod E36 and become disengaged from the hook Nil. 7

If desired, the legs at the far side of the table may be raised so that the table will slant upwardly from the near side of the table to the far side of the table. Such an arrangement will make it easier for the operator to manipulate the shirt when positioning the same on the table.

It will be noted that the table pole, single throw contacts switch 231, is located on the table top 52 directly under one of the arms it? as in dicated by numeral 284 in Fig. 1.

It will be further noted that said switch 237 will close when arms Ml are rotated from a vertical to a horizontal position. The closing of switch 23'! will start motor 238 through leg 236 of said switch. The other leg 238 of said switch will energize the retracting solenoid on air motor Ella. Switch 23'! remains closed until the side flap if! has been operated. The operation sequence timing motor 239 continues to operate through the switch 224 and 225 until the cycle has been completed.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described our invention, we claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States:

1. A shirt folding machine comprising a table formed with an opening to receive a shirt collar, a pair of relatively movable members within said opening to grip said shirt collar, manual means to move one of said members toward the other, spring means to move said one member away from said other, a leaf hinged to said table and adapted to drop onto the table to overlie said opening, a locking member hinged to the table and overlying said leaf, and means to lock said locking member against the leaf when the leaf is in horizontal position.

2. A shirt folding machine comprising a table on which a shirt to be folded may be placed, a leaf hinged to the table and adapted to move from upright position down to a position overlying the shirt on the table, a locking member pivoted to the table and adapted to swing from upright position down to a position overlying the leaf when the latter lies on the table, a pair of bars parallel to and spaced from the side edges of the leaf adapted to engage beneath the sleeves of the shirt on the table, means to move said bars inwardly from normal position toward each other and between said locking member and said leaf, to fold portions of the sleeves of the shirt over said leaf, and to bring portions of the sleeves between the leaf and the locking member, means for locking the locking member to the leaf to grip the portions of the sleeves which are between the locking member and the leaf, and means to thereafter move said parallel bars away from each other back to normal position thereby leaving the gripped portions in gripped condition.

3. A shirt folding machine comprising a table on which a shirt to be folded may be placed, with the front of the shirt down, means on the table to grip the collar of the shirt on the table, a leaf pivoted to the table and adapted to move from upright position down to the top of the table to overlie the central portion of the back of the shirt, a pair of parallel bars at the top of the table in spaced parallel relationship to the side edges of the leaf, and the sleeves of the shirt extending outwardly and over said bars and hanging down from the sides of the table, a second pair of parallel bars overlying said sleeves and spaced inwardly from the first pair of parallel bars, a locking member pivoted to the table and movable from upright position down to a position overlying theleaf when the latter is lying on the table, means to move the first pair of parallel bars inwardly toward each other to a position beneath the locking member for folding the sleeves around the second mentioned parallel bars and to bring portions of the sleeves between the locking member and said leaf, with the outer ends of the sleeves projecting outwardly, means to press said locking member down toward the leaf to pinch the portions of the sleeves folded about said first mentioned pair of parallel bars in their inwardly moved positions, and means to move the first pair of parallel bars outwardly away from each other back to normal position, leavin the portions of the sleeves between the locking bar and the leaf pinched against the leaf by the locking bar, a pair of spaced side flaps on the table at opposite sides of the leaf when said leaf lies on the table, and said side flaps extending beyond said leaf, means to mount said flaps for swinging movement about their inner side's through an angle of 180, said second mentioned pair of parallel bars being swingable about parallel axes spaced inwardly of said second mentioned parallel bars and adjacent the side edges of the leaf, and the outer ends of said second mentioned pair of parallel bars overlying said side fiaps, and means for swinging one of said flaps about its inner side to a position overlying the central portion of the shirt for folding one side of the shirt over the central part of the shirt and for swinging the parallel bar of the second mentioned pair of parallel bars, overlapping said flap, about its pivotal axis through an angle of whereby to fold the portion of the sleeve folded about said bar over the central portion of the shirt, means to thereafter automatically swing said flap back to normal position, means to thereafter swing the other flap automatically through an angle of 180 to a position overlying the central part of the shirt, for folding the other side of the shirt over the central part of the shirt and to swing the other parallel bar of said second mentioned pair of parallel bars about its aXis through an angle of 180 to bring the portion of the shirt folded about said other parallel bar over the central portion of the shirt, and means to thereafter automatically swing said other flap back to normal position.

4. A shirt folding machine comprising a table on which a shirt to be folded may be placed, with the front of the shirt down, means on the table to grip the collar of the shirt on the table, a leaf pivoted to the table and adapted to move from upright position down to the top of the table to overlie the central portion of the back of the shirt, a pair of parallel bars at the top of the table in spaced parallel relationship to the side edges of the leaf, and the sleeves of the shirt extending outwardly and over said bars and hanging down from the sides of the table, a second pair of parallel bars overlying said sleeves and spaced inwardly from the first pair of parallel bars, a locking member pivoted to the table and movable from upright position down to a position overlying the leaf when the latter is lying on the table, means to move the first pair of parallel bars inwardly toward each other to a position beneath the locking member for folding the sleeves around the second mentioned parallel bars and to bring portions of the sleeves between the locking member and said leaf, with the outer ends of the sleeves projecting outwardly, means to press said locking member down toward the leaf to pinch the portions of the sleeves folded about said first mentioned pair of parallel bars in their inwardly moved positions, and means to move the first pair of parallel bars outwardly away from each other back to normal position, leaving the portions of the sleeves between the locking bar and the leaf pinched against the leaf by the locking bar, a pair of spaced side flaps on the table at opposite sides of the leaf when said leaf lies on the table, and said flaps extending beyond said leaf, means to mount said flaps for swinging movement about their inner sides through an angle of 180, said second mentioned pair of parallel bars being swingable about parallel axes spaced inwardly of said second mentioned parallel bars and adjacent the side edges of the leaf, and the outer ends of said second mentioned pair of parallel bars overlying said side flaps, and means for swinging one of said flaps about its inner side to a position overlying the central portion of the shirt for folding one side of the shirt over the central part of the shirt and for swinging the parallel bar of the second mentioned pair of parallel bars, overlapping said fiap, about its pivotal axis through an angle of 180 whereby to fold the portion of the sleeve folded about said bar over the central portion of the shirt, means to thereafter automatically swing said flap back to normal position, means to thereafter swing the other flap automatically through an angle of 180 to a position overlying the central part of the shirt, for folding the other side of the shirt over the central part of the shirt and to swing the other parallel bar of said second mentioned pair of parallel bars about its axis through an angle of 180 to bring the portion of the shirt folded about said other parallel bar over the central portion of the shirt, and means to thereafter automatically swing said other flap back to normal position, an end flap between said side flap swingable about the end thereof adjacent to the leaf through an angle of 180 to fold the central portion of the shirt over on itself, and means to thereafter automatically swing said central flap from normal position through an angle of 180, and to thereafter automatically swing said central flap back to normal position.

5. A shirt folding machine comprising a table on which a shirt tobe folded may be placed, with the front of the shirt down, means on the table to grip the collar of the shirt on the table, a leaf pivoted to the table and adapted to move from upright position down to the top of the table to overlie the central portion of the back of the shirt, a pair of parallel bars at the top of the table in spaced parallel relationship to the side edges of the leaf, and the sleeves of the shirt extending outwardly and over said bars and hanging down from the sides of the table, a second pair of parallel bars overlying said sleeves and spaced inwardly from the first pair of parallel bars, a locking member pivoted to the table and movable from upright position down to a position overlying the leaf when the latter is lying on the table, means tomove the first pair of parallel bars inwardly toward each other to a position beneath the locking member for folding the sleeves around the second mentioned parallel bars and to bring portions of the sleeves between the locking member and said leaf, with the outer ends of the sleeves projecting outwardly, means to press said locking member down toward the leaf to pinch the portions of the sleeves folded about said first mentioned pair of parallel bars in their inwardly moved positions, and means to move the first pair of parallel bars outwardly away from each other back to normal position, leaving the portions of the sleeves between the locking bar and the leaf pinched against the leaf by the locking bar, a pair of spaced side flaps on the table at opposite sides of the leaf when said leaf lies on the table, and said flaps extending beyond said leaf, means to mount said flaps for swinging movement about their inner sides through an angle of said second mentioned pair of parallel bars being swingable about parallel axes spaced inwardly of said second mentioned parallel bars and adjacent the side edges of the leaf, and the outer ends of said second mentioned pair of parallel bars overlying said side flaps, and means for swinging one of said flaps about its inner side to a position overlying the central portion of the shirt for folding one side of the shirt over the central part of the shirt and for swinging the parallel bar of the second mentioned pair of parallel bars, overlapping said fiap, about its pivotal axis through an angle of 180 whereby to fold the portion of the sleeve folded about said bar over the central portion of the shirt, means to thereafter automatically swing said flap back to normal position, means to thereafter swing the other flap automatically through an angle of 180 to a position overlying the central part of the shirt, for folding the other side of the shirt over the central part of the shirt and to swing the other parallel bar of said second mentioned pair of parallel bars about its axis through an angle of 180 to bring the portion of the shirt folded about said other parallel bar over the central portion of the shirt, and means to thereafter automatically swing said other flap back to normal position, an end flap between said side flap swingable about the end thereof adjacent to the leaf through an angle of 180 to fold the central portion of the shirt over on itself, and means to thereafter automatically swing said central flap from normal position through an angle of 180, and to thereafter automatically swing said central flap back to normal position, and a middle flap between said side flaps and between said end flap and leaf and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf through an angle of 189 to a position overlying said leaf, and means to thereafter automatically swing said middle flap from normal position to a position overlying the leaf and then back to normal position.

6. A shirt folding machine comprising a table on which a shirt to be folded may be placed with the front of the shirt down, and with the sleeves of the shirt extending outwardly so as to hang down from the sides of the table, said table being formed with an opening to receive a collar of the shirt, means on the table receivable within the shirt collar for gripping said collar, means on the table for folding the sleeves about portions thereof outwardly of the shoulders of the shirt, inwardly toward the central portion of the back of the shirt and with the outer ends of said sleeves folded back over said inwardly folded portions, means on the table to grip the inner folded ends of said outwardly extending ends of said sleeves, means on the table for thereafter folding one side of the-shirt and the folded sleeve on said side over the central portion of the back of the shirt, means on the table for thereafter folding the opposite side of the shirt and the folded sleeve at said side of the shirt, over the first folded side of the shirt, means on the table for thereafter folding the tail end of the central portion of the shirt over the adjacent portion of the shirt, and means on the table for thereafter folding the folded tail of the shirt and the portion of the shirt on which it is folded over the upper central portion of the shirt.

7. A shirt folding machine comprising a table on which a shirt to be folded may be placed with the front of the shirt down, and with the sleeves of the shirt extending outwardly so as to hang down from the sides of the table, said table being formed with an opening to receive a collar of the shirt, means on the table receivable within the shirt collar for gripping said collar, means on the table for folding the sleeves about portions thereof outwardly of the shoulders of the shirt, inwardly toward the central portion of the back of the shirt and with the outer ends of said sleeves folded back over said inwardly folded portions, means on the table to grip the inner folded ends of said outwardly extending ends of said sleeves, means on the table for thereafter folding one side of the shirt and the folded sleeve on said side over the central portion of the back of the shirt, means on the table for thereafter folding the opposite side of the shirt and the folded sleeve at said side of the shirt, over the first folded side of the shirt, means on the table for thereafter folding the tail end of the central portion of the shirt over the adjacent portion of the shirt, and means on the table for thereafter folding the folded tail of the shirt and the portion of the shirt on which it is folded over the upper central portion of the shirt, said shirt collar gripping means comprising a block fixed to the table, a second block movable relative to the first block, spring means urging the second block away from the first block, a lever pivoted to the table and having an arm engaging the second block, and a second arm projecting from a side of the table against which the operator may press for swinging said lever and moving said second block toward the first block and tensioning said spring means so that the shirt collar may be placed over both said blocks and whereby when the operator moves away from the second arm of the lever, said spring means will move said second block away from the first block and grip said collar.

8. A shirt folding machine comprising a table on which a shirt to be folded may be placed with the sleeves of the shirt extending outwardly and I means on the table to fold the sleeves of the shirt about parallel folds outwardly of the shoulders of the shirt inwardly, to overlie said leaf and to fold said inwardly folded portions outwardly about parallel folds close to one another and with the outer ends of the sleeves projecting away from each other, means on the table to automatically grip the last mentioned pair of parallel folds and press the same against said leaf, means on the table to thereafter automatically fold one side of the shirt and the folded sleeve adjacent thereto over the leaf and the central portion of the shirt, means on the table to thereafter automatically fold the opposite side of the shirt and the folded sleeve adjacent thereto over the first folded side of the shirt and its sleeve, and means on the table to thereafter automatically fold an end of the shirt over on itself.

9. A shirt folding machine comprising a table on which a shirt to be folded may be placed with the sleeves of the shirt extending outwardly and hanging down at the sides of the table, a leaf mounted on the table and adapted to move from upright position down to a position overlying the central portion of the upper end of the shirt, means on the table to fold the sleeves of the shirt about parallel folds outwardly of the shoulders of the shirt inwardly, to overlie said leaf and to fold said inwardly folded portions outwardly about, parallel folds close to one another and with the outer ends of the sleeves projecting away from each other, means on the table to automatically grip the last mentioned pair of parallel folds and press the same against said leaf, means on the table to thereafter automatically fold one side of the shirt and the folded sleeve adjacent thereto over the leaf and the central portion of the shirt, means on the table to thereafter automatically fold the opposite side of the shirt and the folded sleeve adjacent thereto over the first folded side of the shirt and its sleeve, means on the table to thereafter automatically fold an end of the shirt over on itself, and means on the table to thereafter automatically fold the folded central portion of the shirt and the portion of the shirt on which it is folded over onto the leaf.

10. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a leaf hinged to the rear end of the table and adapted to drop from upright position to a p0- sition overlying the table, a pair of parallel sleeves at opposite sides of said leaf pivoted to the table about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the sleeves, a pair ofsymmetrical frames each comprising portions journalled within said sleeves, portions extending from the forward ends of said journalled portions at right angles to said portions, portions extending from the outer ends of said right angle portions forwardly and parallel to one another, and tail portions extending from the rear ends of said journalled portions, a shaft on which the sleeves are pivoted, and a handle on said shaft for turning said shaft and rotating said sleeves, and means on the table for swinging said frames outwardly away from each other upon turning the shaft to move said sleeves from upright position down to horizontal position.

11. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a leaf hinged to the rear end of the table and adapted to drop from upright position to a position overlying the table, a pair of parallel sleeves at opposite sides of said leaf pivoted to the table about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the sleeves, a pair of symmetrical frames each comprising portions journalled within said sleeves, portions extending from the forward ends of said journalled portions at right angles to said portions, portions extending from the outer ends of said right angle portions forwardly and parallel to one another, and tail portions extending from the rear ends of said journalled portions, a shaft on which the sleeves are pivoted, and a handle on said shaft for turning said shaft and rotating said sleeves, and means on the table for swinging said frames outwardly away from each other upon turning the shaft to move said sleeves from upright position down to horizontal position, said leaf being swingable independently of said leaves, means for tilting the leaf from upright position to permit it to drop by gravity down onto the table, and means to lock the shaft on which the sleeves are mounted against rotation when the leaf is in upright position, and

to release said shaft upon actuating said tilting means.

12. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a leaf hinged to the rear end of the table and adapted to drop from upright position to a position overlying the table, a pair of parallel sleeves at opposite sides of said leaf pivoted to the table about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the sleeves, a pair of symmetrical frames each comprising portions journalled within said sleeves, portions extending from the for-ward ends of said journalled portions at right angles to said portions, portions extending from the outer ends of said right angle portions forwardly and parallel to one another, and tail portions extending from the rear ends of said journalle-d portions, a shaft on which the sleeves are pivoted, and a handle on said shaft for turning said shaft and rotating said sleevs, and means on the table for swinging said frames outwardly away from each. other upon turning the shaft to move said sleeves from upright position down to horizontal position, a pair of symmetrical levers at the rear end of the table pivoted about horizontal parallel axes extending longitudinally of the table, said levers being disposed in vertical planes, and each having an upwardly and outwardly extending arm and an upwardly and inwardly extending arm, bars fixed to the upper ends of said upwardly and outwardly extending arms, said bars being normally disposed parallel to the table top and adjacent the sides thereof, and outwardly of the forwardly projecting portions of said frames, means to symmetrically oscillate said levers to bring said bars toward each other to a position overlying the leaf, and then outwardly back to normal position.

13. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a leaf hinged to the table, a pair of parallel bars normally at the sides of the table and substantially at the plane of the top of the table, means to move said parallel bars inwardly toward each other and then outwardly back to normal position, an air motor for moving said parallel bars, a pair of side flaps spaced from one another and normally in the plane of the top of the table, and swingable inwardly about their inner sides to a position overlying a portion of the table between said side flaps and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging movement for each side flap, an end flap between said side flaps and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to overlie a portion of the table between said end flap and leaf and back to normal position, an air motor to actuate the end flap, a middle flap normally in the plane of. the top of the table and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to a position overlying the leaf and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging means for the middle flap, said air motors each being controlled by a pair of solenoids, and electrical means for automatically and sequentially energizing the solenoids of said air motors.

14. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a leaf hinged to the table, a pair of parallel bars normally at the sides of the table and substantially at the plane of the top of the table, means to move said parallel bars inwardly toward each other and then outwardly back to normal position, an air motor for moving said parallel bars, a pair of side flaps spaced from one another and normally in the plane of the top of the table, and swingable inwardly about their inner sides to a position overlying a portion. of the table between said side flaps and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging movement for each side flap, an end flap between said side flaps and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to overlie a portion of the table between said end flap and leaf and back to normal position, an air motor to actuate the end flap, a middle flap normally in the plane of the top of the table and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to a position overlying the leaf and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging means for the middle flap, said air motors each being controlled by a pair of solenoids, and electrical means for automatically and sequentially enersizing the solenoids of said air motors, and a horizontal shaft at the rear end of the table and at the plane of the top of the table, a pair of parallel sleeves mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, said sleeves being at right angles to said shaft, a pair of similar, symmetrically disposed shirt sleeve folding frames having portions journalled within said sleeves, and parallel portions extending forwardly and spaced from and disposed parallel to said sleeves.

15. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a leaf hinged to the table, a pair of parallel bars normally at the sides of the table and substantially at the plane of the top of the table, means to move said parallel bars inwardly toward each other and then outwardly back to normal position, an air motor for moving said parallel bars, a pair of side flaps spaced from one another and normally in the plane of the top of the table, and swingable inwardly about their inner sides to a position overlying a portion of the table between said side flaps and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging movement for each side flap, an end flap between said side flaps and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to overlie a portion of the table between said end flap and leaf and back to normal position, an air motor to actuate the end flap, a middle flap normally in the plane of the top of the table and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to a position overlying the leaf and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging means for the middle flap, said air motors each being controlled by a pair of solenoids, and electrical means for automatically and sequentially energizing the solenoids of said air motors, and a horizontal shaft at the rear end of the table and at the plane of the top of the table, a pair of parallel sleeves mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, said sleeves being at right angles to said shaft, a pair of similar, symmetrically disposed shirt sleeve folding frames having portions journalled within said sleeves, and. parallel portions extending forwardly and spaced from and disposed parallel to said sleeves, said frames being swingable about said sleeves from a position where the forwardly projecting portions of said frames are adjacent the sides of the table to a position where the forwardly projecting portions of said frames are adjacent the side edges of said leaf, and means on the table to swing said frames outwardly upon rotating the shaft to cause said sleeves to move from upright to horizontal position.

16. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a leaf hinged to the table, a pair of parallel bars normally at the sides of the table and substantially at the palne of the top of the table, means to move said parallel bars inwardly toward each other and then outwardly back to normal position, an air motor for moving said parallel bars, a, pair of side flaps spaced from one another and normally in the plane of the top of the table, and swingable inwardly about their inner sides to a position overlying a portion of the table between said side flaps and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging movement for each side flap, an end flap between said side flaps and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to overlie a portion of the table between said end flap and leaf and back to normal position, an air motor to actuate the end flap, a middle flap normally in the plane of the top of the table and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to a, position overlying the leaf and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging means for the middle flap, said air motors each being controlled by a pair of solenoids, and electrical means for automatically and sequentially energizing the solenoids of said air motors, and a horizontal shaft at the rear end of the table and at the plane of the top of the table, a pair of parallel sleeves mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, said sleeves being at right angles to said shaft, a pair of similar, symmetrically disposed shirt sleeve folding frames having portions journalled within said sleeves, and parallel portions extending forwardly and spaced from and disposed parallel to said sleeves, and means actuated by one of said frames for controlling the said electrical means.

1'7. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a leaf hinged to the table, a pair of parallel bars normally at the sides of the table and substantially at the plane of the top of the table, means to move said parallel bars inwardly toward each other and then outwardly back to normal position, an air motor for moving said parallel bars, a pair of side flaps spaced from one another and normally in the plane of the top of the table, and swingable inwardly about their inner sides to a position overlying a portion of the table between said side flaps and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging movement for each side flap, an end flap between said side flaps and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to overlie a portion of the table between said end flap and leaf and back to normal position, an air motor to actuate the end flap, a middle flap normally in the plane of the top of the table and swingable about the end thereof adjacent the leaf to a position overlying the leaf and back to normal position, an air motor for actuating the swinging means for the middle flap, said air motors each being controlled by a pair of solenoids, and electrical means for automatically and sequentially ener izing the solenoids of said air motors, said electrical means including a switch associated with each of the solenoids of said air motors, an electric motor, a shaft connected for rotation to said electric motor, and cam discs on said shaft to control said switches.

18. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a pair of shirt sleeve folding bars adjacent the sides of the table and in the plane of the top of the table, means controlled by an air motor to move said bars toward each other from normal position and back to normal position, said air motor including a retract solenoid and an advance solenoid, a side flap at the near side of the table for folding one side of a shirt on the table, means to swing said flap about its inner side away from normal position and back to normal position,

and including an air motor having a retract solenoid and an advance solenoid, a side flap at the far side of the table, means including an air motor, to swing said second side flap about its inner side away from normal position and back to normal position, said last mentioned air motor having a retract solenoid and an advance solenoid, an end flap normally in a plane of the top of the table, and means including an air motor to swing said end flap about its inner end from normal position and back to normal position, said last mentioned air motor having a retract solenoid and an advance solenoid, and a central flap between said side flaps and in alignment with said end flap, and means including an air motor to swing said central flap away from normal position and back to normal position, said last mentioned air motor comprising a retract solenoid and advance solenoids, and means to automatically energize the solenoids of said air motors in predetermined sequence.

19, A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a pair of shirt sleeve folding bars adjacent the sides of the table and in the plane of the top of the table, means controlled by an air motor to move said bars toward each other from normal position and back to normal position, said air motor including a retract solenoid and an advance solenoid, a side fiap at the near side of the table for folding one side of a shirt on the table, means to swing said flap about its inner side away from normal position and back to normal position, and including an air motor having a retract solenoid and an advance solenoid, a side flap at the far side of the table, means including an air motor, to swing said second side flap about its inner side away from normal position and back to normal position, said last mentioned air motor having a retract solenoid and an advance solenoid, an end flap normally in a plane of the top of the table, and means including an air motor to swing said end flap about its inner end from normal position and back to normal position, said last mentioned air motor having a retract solenoid and an advanced solenoid, and a central flap between said side flaps and in alignment with said end flap, and means including an air motor to swing said central flap away from normal position and back to normal position, said last mentioned air motor comprising a retract solenoid and advance solenoids, and means to automatically energize the solenoids of said air motors in predetermined sequence, said automatic means including a switch associated with each solenoid and means to open and close said switches in predetermined sequence including a cam shaft, cam discs on said shaft, each having means to control the opening and closing of its switch, and an electric motor for rotating said shaft.

20. A shirt folding machine comprising a table, a pair of shirt sleeve folding bars adjacent the sides of the table and in the plane of the top of the table, means controlled by an air motor to move said bars toward each other from normal position and back to normal position, said air ing a retract solenoid and an advance solenoid,- a side flap at the far side of the table, means in- I eluding an air motor, to swing said second, side 

